The National Council for the Training of Journalists is the industry's charity that delivers the premier training scheme for journalists in the UK. We provide a world-class education and training system that develops current and future journalists for the demands of a fast-changing multimedia industry. Find out more about our qualifications.

The Level 3 Diploma in Journalism is the qualification that editors look for when recruiting a trainee journalist. The NCTJ accredits Diploma in Journalism courses at colleges, universities and independent providers across the UK.

Distance learning is a flexible study option and is available for a number of our qualifications. Distance learning allows students to learn at their own time and at their own pace. Find out more about our distance learning programmes.

The NCTJ is determined to improve access to careers in journalism for the brightest and best, whatever their background. We must do all we can to ensure that the press box and broadcast studios across sports are open to more women journalists. We teamed up with Sky Sports News to showcase some of our up and coming female sports reporters in our latest video.

Shorthand is a fundamental skill for all journalists and an accurate shorthand note is vital. Candidates aim to achieve 100 wpm to improve their employment prospects and to be eligible to sit the National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ). A pass list with the names of successful candidates is published within four weeks of each shorthand exam.

We are looking for people from socially and ethnically diverse backgrounds who need help funding their journalism training. Bursaries are on offer for those with the potential to succeed in one of the most exciting and rewarding careers around.

National examination dates are offered several times a year and are open to anyone wishing to sit an NCTJ Diploma in Journalism exam. They are the exam dates for distance learners, trainees and those who are no longer on course and need to re-sit an exam.

The NCTJ has over 60 years’ experience teaching gold standard training to journalists. We not only train journalists, but anyone who needs journalistic skills. If you need to sharpen your writing, media law, editing, proofreading or press releases, you can tap into our expert knowledge.